Needs and priorities of women with endometrial and cervical cancer

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology 2015-07, Vol.36 (3), p.122-132
• Main Authors: Jeppesen, Mette Moustgaard, Mogensen, Ole, Dehn, Pernille, Jensen, Pernille Tine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety - psychology; Depression and anxiety in oncology patients; Endometrial Neoplasms - psychology; Female; Focus Groups; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Middle Aged; psycho-oncology; psychosomatic gynecology; quality of life; Quality of Life - psychology; sexual health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - psychology
• ISSN: 0167-482X; 1743-8942
• DOI: 10.3109/0167482X.2015.1059417

Introduction: Rehabilitation after cancer is important, and efficient rehabilitation requires knowledge of patient's needs. This study aimed to identify short-term rehabilitation needs of women with endometrial and cervical cancer. Methods: Ninety-six women (82.6%) were included in an exploratory questionnaire study from Odense University Hospital from September 2011 to March 2012. Needs were assessed pre-treatment and 3 months later using the three-levels-of-needs questionnaire. Furthermore, 16 women participated in focus group interviews following the treatment. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Forty-four of the included women were diagnosed with cervical cancer (median age 45 years). Of these, 22 had FIGO-stage 1 disease (50%) and 23 received radiation therapy (52.3%). The remaining 52 women (median age 66.5 years) were diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Of these, 38 had FIGO-stage 1 disease (73.1%) and 25 were treated with laparoscopic surgery (48.1%). Emotional functioning was significantly worse prior to treatment in both the cancers (p